Members

The Modesto City Council is made up of 7 elected officials. The Mayor is elected at-large by the entire City; while the 6 Council members are elected by district by the residents within the respective district. Members of the City Council hold office for 4 year terms and are limited to 2 terms. Their terms of office expire in alternate odd numbered years, with a maximum of 4 Council seats up for election at any one time.

Responsibilities & Purpose

The Vice Mayor is elected from among Council members by a vote of City Council.

The Mayor of Modesto is the presiding officer of all City Council meetings and is authorized to sign legal documents on behalf of the City. He represents the City on local, state and national levels. In his absence, his duties are performed by the Vice Mayor.

The Modesto City Council is the City’s legislative body. It sets policies, approves budgets, determines tax rates and passes ordinances and resolutions to govern the City. Council also appoints citizen volunteers to more than 26 City advisory boards, committees, and commissions; and appoints and supervises the performance of the City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk.